How Do You Calculate the Charges on Two Repelling Particles?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the charges of two repelling point particles, given their total charge of 185 µC and a repulsive force of 80 N at a distance of 0.4 m. The relevant equation used is Coulomb's Law, expressed as F = k * (q1 * q2) / (r^2). The user attempted to solve for the individual charges by rearranging the formula but encountered an issue with the intersection point in their calculations, leading to confusion about the constant k and the unit of microcoulombs.

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Homework Statement


Two point particles separated by 0.4 m carry a total charge of 185 µC.
(a) If the two particles repel each other with a force of 80 N, what are the charges on each of the two particles?


Homework Equations


F = k* (q1*q2)/(r^2)


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using altering the formula so it would be 80 = (185-x)*(x) /(.4^2). I tried putting this in my calculator in which y1 = (185-x)*(x)/(.4^2), y2= 80 yet it tells me it intersects at x = 184.9. Um what did i do wrong? I would appreciate the help :).
 
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Two quick questions: What happened to k? and Shouldn't you do something with that micro coulombs that follows the 185?
 

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